5 Free Tools to Automate Your Marketing with HubSpot Starter

So, you’ve jumped on the HubSpot Starter bandwagon – good choice! Now, let’s make your life even easier (and your marketing even smarter) with some nifty automation tools. We’re talking about those magical apps that take mundane tasks off your plate, giving you more time to sip coffee and plot world domination. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Zapier: Your Automation Superpower

Imagine having a sidekick that connects all your favorite apps and gets them talking to each other. Enter Zapier. This powerhouse lets you set up simple automation (called Zaps) between HubSpot and countless other apps. Want to auto-add new leads from a Google Sheet into HubSpot? Zapier’s got your back. Need to ping your team on Slack every time you close a deal? Easy peasy with Zapier.

How to Use Zapier with HubSpot Starter:

• Step 1: Sign up for a free Zapier account.
• Step 2: Choose HubSpot as your trigger app and set up your trigger (e.g., new contact added).
• Step 3: Select your action app (e.g., Google Sheets) and define the action (e.g., create a new row).
• Step 4: Customize the details and turn on your Zap. Boom! Automation magic.

2. HubSpot Workflows: The Built-In Maestro

HubSpot Starter comes with basic workflow capabilities. While it’s not as feature-rich as the professional version, it’s perfect for getting started with automation. You can create workflows to automate email follow-ups, lead nurturing sequences, and task assignments.

Cool Workflow Ideas:

• Welcome Workflow Emails: Automatically send a welcome email to new contacts.
• Lead Assignment: Automatically assign new leads to sales reps based on criteria.
• Follow-Up Reminders: Create tasks for your team to follow up with leads after a certain period.

3. Trello: The Task Master

Keeping track of all your marketing tasks can be a headache. Enter Trello, the Kanban board tool that helps you visualize your workflow and stay organized. Integrate Trello with HubSpot to create cards for new leads, track their progress, and manage your marketing projects all in one place.

How to Use Trello with HubSpot:

• Step 1: Set up a free Trello account.
• Step 2: Use Zapier to connect HubSpot to Trello.
• Step 3: Create a Zap to automatically create a Trello card for new HubSpot contacts or deals.
• Step 4: Use Trello boards to track the status and progress of your marketing campaigns.

4. Canva: Your Design Genie

Need to whip up stunning graphics for your campaigns? Canva’s got your back. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a plethora of templates, you can create professional-looking visuals without breaking a sweat. Plus, Canva integrates with HubSpot, making it easy to add your designs directly to your marketing emails and social posts.

How to Use Canva with HubSpot:

• Step 1: Sign up for a free Canva account.
• Step 2: Create your designs using Canva’s templates and tools.
• Step 3: Download your designs and upload them to HubSpot, or use the Canva button within HubSpot’s email editor.
• Step 4: Use your beautiful designs to wow your audience.

5. Google Analytics: The Insight Guru

While Google Analytics itself isn't an automation tool, it plays a pivotal role in informing and optimizing your HubSpot marketing automation strategies. By tracking user behavior in Google Analytics, you can identify which leads are most likely to convert into customers. This information can be used to assign lead scores in HubSpot and trigger automated lead nurturing campaigns that deliver targeted content and offers to move leads through the sales funnel.

In a nutshell, Google Analytics acts as the brains behind your HubSpot marketing automation. It provides the data and insights needed to create highly targeted and effective automated campaigns that deliver real results.

How to Use Google Analytics with HubSpot:

• Step 1: Set up a free Google Analytics account and add your website.
• Step 2: Install the Google Analytics tracking code on your website.
• Step 3: Connect your Google Analytics account with HubSpot for integrated reporting.
• Step 4: Use the data to track the performance of your marketing campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps

There you have it, marketing hero! With these free tools and HubSpot Starter, you’re well on your way to automating your marketing like a pro. Remember, automation is not just about saving time – it’s about creating seamless, personalized experiences for your audience. So, get out there, experiment with these tools, and watch your marketing efforts soar.

And if you ever need a trusty sidekick, you know where to find us. Happy automating!